National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides

The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS

Unitree Robotics targets $9 billion valuation in landmark IPO backed by DeepSeek and Tencent

India names 27 sites in Arunachal Pradesh

Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata OTT: When will Kangana Ranaut's film stream online?

How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?

Shakib Al Hasan ready to return to Bangladesh—under one condition

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch

Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine

Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states

Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions

Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy

Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia

Baba Vanga's 2026 prophecy: 2 predictions 'already came true', 3 terrifying ones remain. Details inside

Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella vows to ‘defeat narco-terrorists’, signals hardline shift

New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot

RSS says Gen Z protests reflect genuine distress

Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'

IAF officer held for sharing sensitive information in 'honey trap' case, booked under Official Secrets Act

Stray Kids under scrutiny? Fans react to Grammy submission silence after BTS boycott

Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances

Jugal Hansraj reunites with Shekhar Kapur after 40 years for Masoom: The Next Generation

New speed limits, automatic challans: Big traffic change coming to Delhi-Meerut Expressway. All you need to know

India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims

Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed

US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance

Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built

Uttarakhand young innovator builds India's own flying vehicle, conducts first test flight: WATCH

Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school

Reese Witherspoon's father hospitalised after poolside incident in Nashville: Report

A US judge on Wednesday (May 6) released a purported suicide note allegedly written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein weeks before he died in a New York jail cell. According to Epstein’s former cellmate, the handwritten note was discovered inside a book after an earlier alleged suicide attempt by the disgraced financier, weeks before his death in August 2019. "They investigated me for months -- Found NOTHING!!!" the note states on lined paper. "It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye."&nbsp;The message ends with the words, “Watcha want me to do -- Bust out cryin!! No fun -- NOT WORTH IT!!” The letter had remained sealed for years as part of the cellmate’s criminal case. However, Judge Kenneth Karas of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered its release following a request by The New York Times. Although the authenticity of the note has not been officially verified, its publication comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s death while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-pathological-liar-democrats-accuse-howard-lutnick-of-egregious-cover-up-in-epstein-investigation-1778110524766">'Pathological liar': Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation</a>&nbsp;Authorities ruled Epstein’s death a suicide, but continued controversy over jail security failures and missing surveillance footage has fueled skepticism about the official findings. Epstein was first found injured in his jail cell in late July 2019 in what officials described as a failed suicide attempt.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-rio-de-janeiro-streets-turn-into-an-open-air-mural-show-1778089072148/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-rio-de-janeiro-streets-turn-into-an-open-air-mural-show-1778089072148/embed</a>&nbsp;Investigators believe the note was written before that incident and hidden inside a graphic novel. The Epstein case continues to stir political debate in both the United States and Britain, especially as more documents connected to the investigation into his life and associates continue to emerge. Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was arrested in July 2019 on multiple sex-trafficking charges linked to alleged incidents between 2002 and 2005 involving the sexual abuse of girls as young as 14.

A US judge released a purported Jeffrey Epstein suicide note, reigniting debate over the convicted financier’s controversial 2019 jail death

A US judge on Wednesday (May 6) released a purported suicide note allegedly written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein weeks before he died in a New York jail cell. According to Epstein’s former cellmate, the handwritten note was discovered inside a book after an earlier alleged suicide attempt by the disgraced financier, weeks before his death in August 2019. "They investigated me for months -- Found NOTHING!!!" the note states on lined paper. "It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye." The message ends with the words, “Watcha want me to do -- Bust out cryin!! No fun -- NOT WORTH IT!!” The letter had remained sealed for years as part of the cellmate’s criminal case. However, Judge Kenneth Karas of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered its release following a request by The New York Times. Although the authenticity of the note has not been officially verified, its publication comes amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Epstein’s death while he awaited trial on sex trafficking charges. Also Read: 'Pathological liar': Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation Authorities ruled Epstein’s death a suicide, but continued controversy over jail security failures and missing surveillance footage has fueled skepticism about the official findings. Epstein was first found injured in his jail cell in late July 2019 in what officials described as a failed suicide attempt. https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-rio-de-janeiro-streets-turn-into-an-open-air-mural-show-1778089072148/embed Investigators believe the note was written before that incident and hidden inside a graphic novel. The Epstein case continues to stir political debate in both the United States and Britain, especially as more documents connected to the investigation into his life and associates continue to emerge. Jeffrey Epstein, 66, was arrested in July 2019 on multiple sex-trafficking charges linked to alleged incidents between 2002 and 2005 involving the sexual abuse of girls as young as 14.

US judge releases alleged Jeffrey Epstein suicide note years after it was sealed, reviving questions surrounding his 2019 jail death

'Found Nothing': US judge releases alleged Jeffrey Epstein's suicide note

House Democrats sharply criticised Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following his testimony before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday (May 6), accusing him of claiming ignorance about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes as part of what they described as an ‘egregious cover-up’. Lutnick appeared for a closed-door, transcribed interview tied to the committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein. Lawmakers have pushed to question Lutnick after documents from the Epstein files suggested he remained in contact with the convicted sex offender more recently than previously disclosed. Earlier this year, Lutnick also acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island in 2012. He had previously told senators he ended contact with Epstein after first meeting him in 2005. Lutnick has denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;Democrats accused the Commerce Secretary of dodging questions during the session and criticized the committee’s decision not to record the interview on video.Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) told reporters that Lutnick, among other things, didn’t “remember why he went” to Epstein’s Island, calling the response “mind-boggling.” “He somehow remembers going to the island after pictures surfaced of him being at the island, but he doesn’t remember why he went to the island, and we had the emails. That’s why we found out he was on the island. This is absolutely absurd, and he should resign,” Subramanyam said alongside fellow Democrats outside the hearing room.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-soldier-sparks-outrage-after-viral-virgin-mary-statue-photo-in-lebanon-1778100901900">IDF soldier sparks outrage after viral Virgin Mary statue photo in Lebanon</a>&nbsp;Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) echoed those concerns, calling Lutnick a “pathological liar who is enabling the most egregious cover-up in American history.” Last year, Lutnick told “Pod Force One” host Miranda Devine that Epstein was a “disgusting person” from whom he and his wife kept their distance. Lutnick also described visiting Epstein’s home, saying the area was centered around a massage table surrounded by candles. Ansari said her questions focused on why Lutnick would visit Epstein’s island “if he and his wife were truly so uncomfortable, especially when in 2008, we know that Jeffrey Epstein was accused and the sweetheart deal took place for soliciting a minor.” “Howard Lutnick tried to tell us in that room that he essentially didn’t know any of that,” she said.&nbsp;“I asked him, ‘How did I, as a child at the time, see this all over the media about Jeffrey Epstein and you, an adult who was this person’s neighbor, who had engaged with him before, how could you possibly not have known?’ I mean, the level of the lies that are taking place inside that room without video is unbelievable,” she added. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) also criticized the closed-door format, saying, “We know why that interview was not videotaped. If Donald Trump had seen the video transcript, he would have fired Howard Lutnick.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-twin-blasts-explosions-in-amritsar-jalandhar-nia-steps-in-to-probe-threats-1778088567982/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-twin-blasts-explosions-in-amritsar-jalandhar-nia-steps-in-to-probe-threats-1778088567982/embed</a>&nbsp;House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) dismissed Democratic criticism, arguing they were “telling you all stuff that was said that was not said.”“So we asked some very substantive questions in the first hour. The Democrats, during their hour, repeated the exact same questions, because there’s only so many questions you can ask Howard Lutnick, who lived, had a property next door to Epstein in New York, talked to him three times over a decade, three interactions over a decade,” Comer said. “He was on the island with his family, with his wife and kids, six people in his family and six people in his friend’s family for lunch for two hours, and he has admitted that.”&nbsp;Comer added that he believed Lutnick had been “very transparent.” “The only thing that I’ve seen that Lutnick did wrong … wasn’t 100 percent truthful on the brief visit to the island with his family. He corrected that in his opening statement. And you know, we’ll see. We’ll continue our investigation, and if we find that there were any misstatements by Lutnick. It’s a felony to lie to Congress, and he’ll be held accountable,” Comer added.&nbsp;Lutnick is the latest high-profile figure — and the first Cabinet official — to testify in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have already appeared before the panel, while former Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to testify later this month.

Democrats slam Howard Lutnick over Epstein testimony, accusing him of evasive answers and involvement in an 'egregious cover-up'

House Democrats sharply criticised Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following his testimony before the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday (May 6), accusing him of claiming ignorance about Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes as part of what they described as an ‘egregious cover-up’. Lutnick appeared for a closed-door, transcribed interview tied to the committee’s ongoing investigation into Epstein. Lawmakers have pushed to question Lutnick after documents from the Epstein files suggested he remained in contact with the convicted sex offender more recently than previously disclosed. Earlier this year, Lutnick also acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island in 2012. He had previously told senators he ended contact with Epstein after first meeting him in 2005. Lutnick has denied any wrongdoing. Democrats accused the Commerce Secretary of dodging questions during the session and criticized the committee’s decision not to record the interview on video. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) told reporters that Lutnick, among other things, didn’t “remember why he went” to Epstein’s Island, calling the response “mind-boggling.” “He somehow remembers going to the island after pictures surfaced of him being at the island, but he doesn’t remember why he went to the island, and we had the emails. That’s why we found out he was on the island. This is absolutely absurd, and he should resign,” Subramanyam said alongside fellow Democrats outside the hearing room. Also Read: IDF soldier sparks outrage after viral Virgin Mary statue photo in Lebanon Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) echoed those concerns, calling Lutnick a “pathological liar who is enabling the most egregious cover-up in American history.” Last year, Lutnick told “Pod Force One” host Miranda Devine that Epstein was a “disgusting person” from whom he and his wife kept their distance. Lutnick also described visiting Epstein’s home, saying the area was centered around a massage table surrounded by candles. Ansari said her questions focused on why Lutnick would visit Epstein’s island “if he and his wife were truly so uncomfortable, especially when in 2008, we know that Jeffrey Epstein was accused and the sweetheart deal took place for soliciting a minor.” “Howard Lutnick tried to tell us in that room that he essentially didn’t know any of that,” she said. “I asked him, ‘How did I, as a child at the time, see this all over the media about Jeffrey Epstein and you, an adult who was this person’s neighbor, who had engaged with him before, how could you possibly not have known?’ I mean, the level of the lies that are taking place inside that room without video is unbelievable,” she added. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) also criticized the closed-door format, saying, “We know why that interview was not videotaped. If Donald Trump had seen the video transcript, he would have fired Howard Lutnick.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/punjab-twin-blasts-explosions-in-amritsar-jalandhar-nia-steps-in-to-probe-threats-1778088567982/embed House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) dismissed Democratic criticism, arguing they were “telling you all stuff that was said that was not said.” “So we asked some very substantive questions in the first hour. The Democrats, during their hour, repeated the exact same questions, because there’s only so many questions you can ask Howard Lutnick, who lived, had a property next door to Epstein in New York, talked to him three times over a decade, three interactions over a decade,” Comer said. “He was on the island with his family, with his wife and kids, six people in his family and six people in his friend’s family for lunch for two hours, and he has admitted that.” Comer added that he believed Lutnick had been “very transparent.” “The only thing that I’ve seen that Lutnick did wrong … wasn’t 100 percent truthful on the brief visit to the island with his family. He corrected that in his opening statement. And you know, we’ll see. We’ll continue our investigation, and if we find that there were any misstatements by Lutnick. It’s a felony to lie to Congress, and he’ll be held accountable,” Comer added. Lutnick is the latest high-profile figure — and the first Cabinet official — to testify in the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have already appeared before the panel, while former Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to testify later this month.

House Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of dodging Epstein questions during closed-door testimony, calling it an 'egregious cover-up'

'Pathological liar': Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation

A photo circulating on social media reportedly shows a soldier placing a cigarette into the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a Christian village in southern Lebanon. The image was taken in Debel, the same village where another soldier was photographed last month smashing a statue of Jesus. The Israeli military said it is reviewing the incident but did not provide further immediate details.&nbsp;In April 2025, a soldier operating in Debel was seen in a photo destroying a statue of Jesus with a hammer, sparking widespread condemnation from Christian communities. Both the soldier involved and the one who documented the act were removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in prison. Following the incident, the Israeli military attempted to install a more ornate replacement for the damaged statue. However, residents chose instead to reinstall a replica identical to the original.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warplane-fires-at-iranian-tanker-trying-to-breach-naval-blockade-amid-maritime-tensions-1778095362197">US warplane fires at Iranian tanker trying to breach naval blockade amid maritime tensions</a>&nbsp;“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the IDF had said in the statement. “The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.” The following week, another controversy emerged in Debel after a video surfaced showing Israeli soldiers destroying civilian solar panels in the area.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alzheimer-s-risk-reduces-by-27-on-eating-eggs-5-times-per-week-study-says-1778088568853/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/alzheimer-s-risk-reduces-by-27-on-eating-eggs-5-times-per-week-study-says-1778088568853/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

IDF investigates viral photo of soldier disrespecting Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon’s Debel, following earlier incidents involving Christian symbols

A photo circulating on social media reportedly shows a soldier placing a cigarette into the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary in a Christian village in southern Lebanon. The image was taken in Debel, the same village where another soldier was photographed last month smashing a statue of Jesus. The Israeli military said it is reviewing the incident but did not provide further immediate details. In April 2025, a soldier operating in Debel was seen in a photo destroying a statue of Jesus with a hammer, sparking widespread condemnation from Christian communities. Both the soldier involved and the one who documented the act were removed from combat duty and sentenced to 30 days in prison. Following the incident, the Israeli military attempted to install a more ornate replacement for the damaged statue. However, residents chose instead to reinstall a replica identical to the original. Also Read: US warplane fires at Iranian tanker trying to breach naval blockade amid maritime tensions “Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the IDF had said in the statement. “The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops.” The following week, another controversy emerged in Debel after a video surfaced showing Israeli soldiers destroying civilian solar panels in the area. https://www.wionews.com/videos/alzheimer-s-risk-reduces-by-27-on-eating-eggs-5-times-per-week-study-says-1778088568853/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

A photo circulating on social media reportedly shows a soldier disrespecting a Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon; the IDF investigates amid repeated controversies in the Christian village of Debel

IDF soldier sparks outrage after viral Virgin Mary statue photo in Lebanon

India and Vietnam on Wednesday agreed to boost their bilateral relations, aiming to elevate ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with an elaborate roadmap for trade, defence, and technology cooperation. The decision followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam’s President To Lam, with both sides agreeing to deeper alignment across strategic and economic domains. In a joint statement, the two nations said the relationship upgrade reflects a shared commitment to “shared vision, strategic convergence, and substantive cooperation.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leader-suvendu-adhikari-s-personal-assistant-shot-dead-in-west-bengal-s-madhyamgram-1778091657808">BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant shot dead in West Bengal’s Madhyamgram</a>&nbsp;The two countries set a fresh bilateral trade target of “25 billion USD by 2030,” signalling intent to scale up engagement between two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.&nbsp;Both sides also agreed to widen investment flows across sectors like high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services.&nbsp;“Priority will also be given towards enhancing cultural linkages,” PM Modi said.&nbsp;In a media briefing, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran reiterated the economic focus of the visit, stating, “We agreed that a new trade target of USD 25 billion would be set for achieving by 2030.”&nbsp;Both nations approved market access for agricultural goods and welcomed the approval for Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians while committing to fast-track access for other products, including pomegranates and pomelos.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-very-good-chance-of-ending-war-iran-to-export-its-highly-enriched-uranium-to-us-says-trump-1778084157677">‘Very good chance of ending war, Iran to export its highly enriched uranium to US,’ says Trump</a>&nbsp;Stressing the importance of supply chain resilience and diversification, Vietnam expressed its readiness to expand imports from India to support its domestic manufacturing and export ecosystem. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the digital economy, particularly by enabling MSMEs to integrate into global value chains through e-commerce platforms. They also agreed to step up defence procurement and industrial collaboration, reflecting growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;Both countries underscored the importance of maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific for security and domain awareness in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-killed-several-injured-as-bus-collides-with-fuel-tanker-in-indonesia-s-sumatra-1778076265887">16 killed, several injured as bus collides with fuel tanker in Indonesia’s Sumatra</a>&nbsp;They also agreed to increase collaboration in emerging technologies, covering digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, 6G, space, and critical minerals.&nbsp;Besides, a series of agreements were signed, including one between the Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of Vietnam, with the aim of boosting financial innovation and enabling cross-border digital payments through QR-based systems.

India and Vietnam agreed to widen investment flows across sectors like high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services. Vietnam expressed its readiness to expand imports from India to support its domestic manufacturing and export ecosystem.

India and Vietnam on Wednesday agreed to boost their bilateral relations, aiming to elevate ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” with an elaborate roadmap for trade, defence, and technology cooperation. The decision followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnam’s President To Lam, with both sides agreeing to deeper alignment across strategic and economic domains. In a joint statement, the two nations said the relationship upgrade reflects a shared commitment to “shared vision, strategic convergence, and substantive cooperation.” Also Read: BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s personal assistant shot dead in West Bengal’s Madhyamgram The two countries set a fresh bilateral trade target of “25 billion USD by 2030,” signalling intent to scale up engagement between two of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Both sides also agreed to widen investment flows across sectors like high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services. “Priority will also be given towards enhancing cultural linkages,” PM Modi said. In a media briefing, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran reiterated the economic focus of the visit, stating, “We agreed that a new trade target of USD 25 billion would be set for achieving by 2030.” Both nations approved market access for agricultural goods and welcomed the approval for Indian grapes and Vietnamese durians while committing to fast-track access for other products, including pomegranates and pomelos. Also Read: ‘Very good chance of ending war, Iran to export its highly enriched uranium to US,’ says Trump Stressing the importance of supply chain resilience and diversification, Vietnam expressed its readiness to expand imports from India to support its domestic manufacturing and export ecosystem. The two countries also agreed to strengthen cooperation in the digital economy, particularly by enabling MSMEs to integrate into global value chains through e-commerce platforms. They also agreed to step up defence procurement and industrial collaboration, reflecting growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries underscored the importance of maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific for security and domain awareness in the region. Also Read: 16 killed, several injured as bus collides with fuel tanker in Indonesia’s Sumatra They also agreed to increase collaboration in emerging technologies, covering digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, 6G, space, and critical minerals. Besides, a series of agreements were signed, including one between the Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of Vietnam, with the aim of boosting financial innovation and enabling cross-border digital payments through QR-based systems.

India and Vietnam agreed to widen investment flows across sectors like high-technology manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, electric vehicles, and digital services. Vietnam expressed its readiness to expand imports from India to support its domestic manufacturing and export ecosystem.

India and Vietnam boost strategic ties, set $25 billion trade target by 2030

A US Navy warplane opened fire on an oil tanker and disabled its rudder after the vessel attempted to breach Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports, the US military said on Wednesday (May 6). This marks the second instance of US forces firing on a ship accused of violating the blockade, which has been in effect since April 13. US forces issued warnings to the Iranian-flagged M/T Hasna, which was not carrying cargo, saying it violated the blockade. When the crew did not respond, a US F/A-18 Super Hornet disabled the tanker's rudder by firing several rounds from (its) 20mm cannon gun, Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.&nbsp;"Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran," CENTCOM said, adding: “The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect.” Earlier, on April 19, another Iranian-flagged vessel, the M/V Touska, also attempted to defy the blockade and ignored repeated warnings from a US destroyer, according to CENTCOM. The US warship eventually ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before striking it with multiple rounds from its five-inch gun, disabling the ship.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-beirut-targets-hezbollah-commander-in-first-attack-since-ceasefire-1778092024639">Israel strikes Beirut, targets Hezbollah commander in first attack since ceasefire</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Iranian forces had effectively shut down the critical Strait of Hormuz, a major global route for oil and gas shipments, following the launch of a US-Israeli air campaign against Iran on February 28. The United States imposed the blockade on Iranian ports after peace negotiations in Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough last month. CENTCOM also reported on Monday that more than 50 commercial vessels "have been directed to turn around or return to port to comply" with the blockade.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-yuan-surges-as-currency-war-between-us-and-china-heats-up-1778087674981/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-yuan-surges-as-currency-war-between-us-and-china-heats-up-1778087674981/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

US warplane fires on Iranian tanker violating blockade, escalating tensions as Strait of Hormuz disruptions threaten global oil supply routes

A US Navy warplane opened fire on an oil tanker and disabled its rudder after the vessel attempted to breach Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports, the US military said on Wednesday (May 6). This marks the second instance of US forces firing on a ship accused of violating the blockade, which has been in effect since April 13. US forces issued warnings to the Iranian-flagged M/T Hasna, which was not carrying cargo, saying it violated the blockade. When the crew did not respond, a US F/A-18 Super Hornet disabled the tanker's rudder by firing several rounds from (its) 20mm cannon gun, Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X. "Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran," CENTCOM said, adding: “The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect.” Earlier, on April 19, another Iranian-flagged vessel, the M/V Touska, also attempted to defy the blockade and ignored repeated warnings from a US destroyer, according to CENTCOM. The US warship eventually ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before striking it with multiple rounds from its five-inch gun, disabling the ship. Also Read: Israel strikes Beirut, targets Hezbollah commander in first attack since ceasefire Meanwhile, Iranian forces had effectively shut down the critical Strait of Hormuz, a major global route for oil and gas shipments, following the launch of a US-Israeli air campaign against Iran on February 28. The United States imposed the blockade on Iranian ports after peace negotiations in Pakistan failed to produce a breakthrough last month. CENTCOM also reported on Monday that more than 50 commercial vessels "have been directed to turn around or return to port to comply" with the blockade. https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-yuan-surges-as-currency-war-between-us-and-china-heats-up-1778087674981/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

US Navy jet disables Iranian tanker violating blockade; tensions escalate as Strait of Hormuz disruption impacts global oil routes

US warplane fires at Iranian tanker trying to breach naval blockade amid maritime tensions

Former FedEx driver Tanner Horner has been sentenced to death for the abduction and murder of 7-year-old Athena Strand. The courtroom saw disturbing evidence and testimonies in the month-long trial. 

Ex-FedEx driver sentenced to death for gruesome murder of 7-year-old girl

Israel carried out a strike in Beirut on Wednesday (May 6) evening, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander, marking the first attack in the Lebanese capital since the ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that Israel had targeted the commander of the elite Radwan force. The strike was coordinated in advance with the US, an Israeli source told CNN.&nbsp;Netanyahu did not identify the target but said that the Radwan force militants under his leadership were responsible for attacks on Israeli communities and soldiers. A joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz did not confirm whether the target had been killed. However, an Israeli official told CNN that the deputy commander of the Radwan force may have also been injured in the strike.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-very-good-chance-of-ending-war-iran-to-export-its-highly-enriched-uranium-to-us-says-trump-1778084157677">‘Very good chance of ending war, Iran to export its highly enriched uranium to US,’ says Trump</a>&nbsp;This marks a shift from Israel’s recent strategy, as it had avoided striking Beirut since the US-brokered ceasefire, focusing instead on southern Lebanon, actions it claimed were within the agreement’s scope. Earlier on Wednesday (May 6), Netanyahu said he expected to speak with President Donald Trump later that night. The strike comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to arrange a direct meeting between Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Aoun, however, has said that such talks would require Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indigenous-communities-in-the-us-mark-awareness-day-for-missing-native-persons-1778084570805/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/indigenous-communities-in-the-us-mark-awareness-day-for-missing-native-persons-1778084570805/embed</a>&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel launches Beirut strike targeting Hezbollah Radwan force commander, escalating tensions despite ceasefire and ongoing US diplomatic efforts

Israel carried out a strike in Beirut on Wednesday (May 6) evening, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander, marking the first attack in the Lebanese capital since the ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that Israel had targeted the commander of the elite Radwan force. The strike was coordinated in advance with the US, an Israeli source told CNN. Netanyahu did not identify the target but said that the Radwan force militants under his leadership were responsible for attacks on Israeli communities and soldiers. A joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz did not confirm whether the target had been killed. However, an Israeli official told CNN that the deputy commander of the Radwan force may have also been injured in the strike. Also Read: ‘Very good chance of ending war, Iran to export its highly enriched uranium to US,’ says Trump This marks a shift from Israel’s recent strategy, as it had avoided striking Beirut since the US-brokered ceasefire, focusing instead on southern Lebanon, actions it claimed were within the agreement’s scope. Earlier on Wednesday (May 6), Netanyahu said he expected to speak with President Donald Trump later that night. The strike comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to arrange a direct meeting between Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Aoun, however, has said that such talks would require Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon. https://www.wionews.com/videos/indigenous-communities-in-the-us-mark-awareness-day-for-missing-native-persons-1778084570805/embed Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel strikes Beirut targeting Hezbollah commander, first attack since ceasefire agreement; tensions escalate amid US-backed diplomacy efforts

Israel strikes Beirut, targets Hezbollah commander in first attack since ceasefire

President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed optimism about striking a deal with Iran, which he said could include Iran exporting its highly enriched uranium to the United States. Trump told PBS News in a phone interview that the US is closing in on a deal and then added, “But I felt that way before with them, so we’ll see what happens.”Trump further said that it is possible a deal could be struck to end the war before his trip to China next week.“I think it’s got a very good chance of ending, and if it doesn’t end, we have to go back to bombing the hell out of them,” Trump told White House correspondent Liz Landers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/16-killed-several-injured-as-bus-collides-with-fuel-tanker-in-indonesia-s-sumatra-1778076265887">16 killed, several injured as bus collides with fuel tanker in Indonesia’s Sumatra</a><h2>‘It goes to the United States,’ says Trump on Iran’s enriched uranium</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;“I think we’ll have a very good chance of making a deal again. If we don’t, we’ll go back to our old ways,” he said.When asked to confirm reports that Iran would export its highly enriched uranium, perhaps, to the US, Trump said, “No, not perhaps. It goes to the United States.”&nbsp;“It’s getting very close. If they agree, it’s over, and if they don’t agree, we bomb,” he added.&nbsp;When asked about gas prices and whether they will drop, Trump said they would go way down.“Well, we have 1,000 boats that are loaded up with oil that can’t, you know, go anywhere. So, when that—it's gonna be a, it’s gonna be an oil rush,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-verify-think-before-sharing-says-giorgia-meloni-after-her-ai-made-image-in-lingerie-goes-viral-1778010741625">‘Verify, think before sharing,’ says Giorgia Meloni after her AI-made image in lingerie goes viral</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social that Project Freedom, a mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, would be ‘paused’ as the countries got closer to a deal.&nbsp;<h2>Trump defends his White House ballroom project</h2>&nbsp;The president also defended his White House ballroom project, which faced renewed scrutiny this week after Senate Republicans proposed including $1 billion for security upgrades to the East Wing in a reconciliation bill. Trump has touted the project as funded by himself and other private donors. The estimated price tag of $200 million has nearly doubled in recent months."It's a tiny, it's one one-millionth of a percent of what we do. That's a small deal. And I'm putting up a lot of money myself," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-beaten-badly-its-navy-reduced-to-little-boats-with-machine-guns-says-trump-1778004098730">‘Iran beaten badly, its navy reduced to little boats with machine guns,’ says Trump</a><h2>‘It will have a drone-proof roof’</h2>&nbsp;“We want to have the inaugurations in the ballroom. This is big enough to handle the inauguration. And it’s got bulletproof glass.”&nbsp;“So we want safety, we want security, and that’s what we have with the ballroom. And as an example, we have a drone-proof roof. Nice thing in these modern days, you know. So it’s gonna be great. A president can walk right from the White House into the ballroom. There’s no going on the streets," the president added.&nbsp;

President Trump also defended his White House ballroom project, which faced renewed scrutiny this week after Senate Republicans proposed including $1 billion for security upgrades to the East Wing in a reconciliation bill.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday expressed optimism about striking a deal with Iran, which he said could include Iran exporting its highly enriched uranium to the United States. Trump told PBS News in a phone interview that the US is closing in on a deal and then added, “But I felt that way before with them, so we’ll see what happens.” Trump further said that it is possible a deal could be struck to end the war before his trip to China next week. “I think it’s got a very good chance of ending, and if it doesn’t end, we have to go back to bombing the hell out of them,” Trump told White House correspondent Liz Landers. Also Read: 16 killed, several injured as bus collides with fuel tanker in Indonesia’s Sumatra ‘It goes to the United States,’ says Trump on Iran’s enriched uranium “I think we’ll have a very good chance of making a deal again. If we don’t, we’ll go back to our old ways,” he said. When asked to confirm reports that Iran would export its highly enriched uranium, perhaps, to the US, Trump said, “No, not perhaps. It goes to the United States.” “It’s getting very close. If they agree, it’s over, and if they don’t agree, we bomb,” he added. When asked about gas prices and whether they will drop, Trump said they would go way down. “Well, we have 1,000 boats that are loaded up with oil that can’t, you know, go anywhere. So, when that—it's gonna be a, it’s gonna be an oil rush,” he said. Also Read: ‘Verify, think before sharing,’ says Giorgia Meloni after her AI-made image in lingerie goes viral Earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social that Project Freedom, a mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, would be ‘paused’ as the countries got closer to a deal. Trump defends his White House ballroom project The president also defended his White House ballroom project, which faced renewed scrutiny this week after Senate Republicans proposed including $1 billion for security upgrades to the East Wing in a reconciliation bill. Trump has touted the project as funded by himself and other private donors. The estimated price tag of $200 million has nearly doubled in recent months. "It's a tiny, it's one one-millionth of a percent of what we do. That's a small deal. And I'm putting up a lot of money myself," he said. Also Read: ‘Iran beaten badly, its navy reduced to little boats with machine guns,’ says Trump ‘It will have a drone-proof roof’ “We want to have the inaugurations in the ballroom. This is big enough to handle the inauguration. And it’s got bulletproof glass.” “So we want safety, we want security, and that’s what we have with the ballroom. And as an example, we have a drone-proof roof. Nice thing in these modern days, you know. So it’s gonna be great. A president can walk right from the White House into the ballroom. There’s no going on the streets," the president added.

President Trump also defended his White House ballroom project, which faced renewed scrutiny this week after Senate Republicans proposed including $1 billion for security upgrades to the East Wing in a reconciliation bill.

‘Very good chance of ending war, Iran to export its highly enriched uranium to US,’ says Trump

Amid reports suggesting that Iran may be training “kamikaze dolphins” to target US naval ships and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon has responded. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the claims, rejecting suggestions that Iran could deploy marine mammals equipped with explosives against vessels. This comes as tensions continue to simmer between the United States and Iran over control and security of the vital maritime route.The unusual theory appears to stem from older reports that Iran had, at one point, acquired trained dolphins from the former Soviet Union. These animals were allegedly used for defensive purposes, such as detecting submarines or underwater mines. However, there is no credible evidence to suggest that any such programme has evolved into an offensive capability involving explosives.While Hegseth denied reports of Iran using the mammals, he did not confirm whether the US does.“I can’t confirm or deny whether we have kamikaze dolphins, but I can confirm they don’t,” Hegseth said.Addressing the issue during the same briefing, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also downplayed the speculation. He jokingly compared the idea to fictional concepts like “sharks with laser beams.”These rumours surface amid escalating friction in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The United States has ramped up efforts to secure commercial shipping routes, while Iran has issued warnings in response to increased military presence in the region.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump renewed threats against Iran on Wednesday (May 6), warning that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran. If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Pentagon has responded after reports surfaced suggesting that Iran may be training “kamikaze dolphins” to attack US naval ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s what Pete Hegseth said.

Amid reports suggesting that Iran may be training “kamikaze dolphins” to target US naval ships and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Pentagon has responded. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the claims, rejecting suggestions that Iran could deploy marine mammals equipped with explosives against vessels. This comes as tensions continue to simmer between the United States and Iran over control and security of the vital maritime route. The unusual theory appears to stem from older reports that Iran had, at one point, acquired trained dolphins from the former Soviet Union. These animals were allegedly used for defensive purposes, such as detecting submarines or underwater mines. However, there is no credible evidence to suggest that any such programme has evolved into an offensive capability involving explosives. While Hegseth denied reports of Iran using the mammals, he did not confirm whether the US does. “I can’t confirm or deny whether we have kamikaze dolphins, but I can confirm they don’t,” Hegseth said. Addressing the issue during the same briefing, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also downplayed the speculation. He jokingly compared the idea to fictional concepts like “sharks with laser beams.” These rumours surface amid escalating friction in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. The United States has ramped up efforts to secure commercial shipping routes, while Iran has issued warnings in response to increased military presence in the region. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump renewed threats against Iran on Wednesday (May 6), warning that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran. If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The Pentagon has responded after reports surfaced suggesting that Iran may be training “kamikaze dolphins” to attack US naval ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Here’s what Pete Hegseth said.

Iran training ‘kamikaze dolphins’ to target US ships in Hormuz? Pentagon says...

Ted Turner, the outspoken media visionary who founded CNN and transformed television journalism with the world’s first 24-hour news channel, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday (May 6). Turner passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by Turner Enterprises. Over the course of his extraordinary career, the Ohio-born businessman built a media empire that stretched from cable television and sports franchises to environmental activism and global philanthropy. Nicknamed “The Mouth of the South” for his bold personality and larger-than-life public image, Turner became one of the most influential figures in modern media. Beyond founding CNN, he launched pioneering television networks including TNT, Cartoon Network, TCM, and the cable superstation WTBS. He also owned professional sports teams such as the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks.<h2>Turner's defining moment</h2>Turner’s defining achievement came in 1980 when CNN went live as the first 24-hour television news network. The concept was widely mocked at the time, but Turner believed audiences wanted news beyond the limited evening broadcasts available on traditional television. “I worked until 7 o’clock, and when I got home the news was over,” Turner once said. “So I missed television news completely. And I figured there were lots of people like me.”&nbsp;That vision reshaped journalism forever. CNN’s real-time coverage during major global events, especially the Persian Gulf War, proved the power of nonstop news and established the network as a global force. Turner later expanded the brand internationally and created multiple cable channels that would define television for decades.In a tribute following his death, CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as the spirit behind the network. “Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless, and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Thompson said. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-much-higher-than-before-trump-threatens-intense-bombing-if-iran-refuses-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-1778069096524">‘Much higher than before’: Trump threatens ‘intense’ bombing if Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>Who was Ted Turner? Know about his family members</h2>Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati in 1938, Turner’s early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. After his father’s suicide in 1963, the 24-year-old inherited the family billboard business and aggressively expanded it into a media operation. He later bought radio stations before entering television with the acquisition of a struggling Atlanta station that would eventually become WTBS.&nbsp;Turner’s personal life also remained heavily in the spotlight, particularly his marriage to actress Jane Fonda. The pair became one of America’s most high-profile couples after marrying in 1991, though they separated a decade later. Despite the divorce, the two remained close friends. Outside media, Turner devoted much of his later life to philanthropy, environmental conservation, and nuclear disarmament efforts. He pledged $1 billion to the United Nations in 1997 and became one of the largest private landowners in North America.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-tvk-chief-stakes-claim-to-form-new-govt-1778077394223/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-tvk-chief-stakes-claim-to-form-new-govt-1778077394223/embed</a>&nbsp;Turner also played a key role in restoring bison populations in the American West and launched initiatives, including the Captain Planet Foundation and Nuclear Threat Initiative. In 2018, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder. Earlier in 2025, he was hospitalised with a mild case of pneumonia before recovering.&nbsp;He is survived by his five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Turner’s impact on journalism, television, and global media remains unmatched, with CNN continuing to stand as the most enduring symbol of his ambition and innovation.

Ted Turner, founder of CNN and pioneer of 24-hour television news, dies at 87. Explore his media legacy, philanthropy, Jane Fonda relationship, and impact on global journalism

Ted Turner, the outspoken media visionary who founded CNN and transformed television journalism with the world’s first 24-hour news channel, died at the age of 87 on Wednesday (May 6). Turner passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by Turner Enterprises. Over the course of his extraordinary career, the Ohio-born businessman built a media empire that stretched from cable television and sports franchises to environmental activism and global philanthropy. Nicknamed “The Mouth of the South” for his bold personality and larger-than-life public image, Turner became one of the most influential figures in modern media. Beyond founding CNN, he launched pioneering television networks including TNT, Cartoon Network, TCM, and the cable superstation WTBS. He also owned professional sports teams such as the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. Turner's defining moment Turner’s defining achievement came in 1980 when CNN went live as the first 24-hour television news network. The concept was widely mocked at the time, but Turner believed audiences wanted news beyond the limited evening broadcasts available on traditional television. “I worked until 7 o’clock, and when I got home the news was over,” Turner once said. “So I missed television news completely. And I figured there were lots of people like me.” That vision reshaped journalism forever. CNN’s real-time coverage during major global events, especially the Persian Gulf War, proved the power of nonstop news and established the network as a global force. Turner later expanded the brand internationally and created multiple cable channels that would define television for decades. In a tribute following his death, CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Mark Thompson described Turner as the spirit behind the network. “Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless, and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Thompson said. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN.” Also Read: ‘Much higher than before’: Trump threatens ‘intense’ bombing if Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz Who was Ted Turner? Know about his family members Born Robert Edward Turner III in Cincinnati in 1938, Turner’s early life was marked by tragedy and hardship. After his father’s suicide in 1963, the 24-year-old inherited the family billboard business and aggressively expanded it into a media operation. He later bought radio stations before entering television with the acquisition of a struggling Atlanta station that would eventually become WTBS. Turner’s personal life also remained heavily in the spotlight, particularly his marriage to actress Jane Fonda. The pair became one of America’s most high-profile couples after marrying in 1991, though they separated a decade later. Despite the divorce, the two remained close friends. Outside media, Turner devoted much of his later life to philanthropy, environmental conservation, and nuclear disarmament efforts. He pledged $1 billion to the United Nations in 1997 and became one of the largest private landowners in North America. https://www.wionews.com/videos/tamil-nadu-elections-tvk-chief-stakes-claim-to-form-new-govt-1778077394223/embed Turner also played a key role in restoring bison populations in the American West and launched initiatives, including the Captain Planet Foundation and Nuclear Threat Initiative. In 2018, Turner revealed he had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder. Earlier in 2025, he was hospitalised with a mild case of pneumonia before recovering. He is survived by his five children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Turner’s impact on journalism, television, and global media remains unmatched, with CNN continuing to stand as the most enduring symbol of his ambition and innovation.

CNN founder Ted Turner dies at 87, leaving behind a revolutionary media legacy that transformed global television news forever. Here's everything you need to know about him

Ted Turner, CNN founder dies at 87. Who was he?

The White House reportedly believes that it is getting close to reaching an agreement with Iran, with the United States expecting Iranian responses on several key issues in the next 48 hours. While no agreement has been reached between the two nations since the fragile ceasefire came into effect on April 8, a US media report has suggested that this was the closest both parties had been to an agreement since the war began on February 28. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump once again threatened Iran to reach a deal, warning of “intense” bombing.According to an Axios report, citing US officials and other sources, the US believes it is getting closer to an agreement with Iran on a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war and set a framework for detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.<h2>What’s in the one-page memo?</h2>The deal includes Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the US agreeing to lift sanctions on Tehran and releasing billions of frozen Iranian funds. It also includes both sides lifting restrictions on the transit of ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.Many of the terms outlined in the memo depend on a final agreement being reached, leaving open the possibility of renewed conflict or a prolonged stalemate where active fighting has ceased but no lasting resolution has been achieved.In its current form, the MOU would mark the end of the conflict and begin a 30-day window for negotiations on a comprehensive deal, including reopening the strait, curbing Iran’s nuclear activities, and easing US sanctions. The talks could be held in Islamabad or Geneva, the report added, citing sources.On Wednesday (May 6), Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has positioned himself as a key mediator in the negotiations between Iran and the United States, said that he was “hopeful” that the current momentum of talks would lead to peace in West Asia.<h2>Trump warns of ‘intense’ bombing</h2>Meanwhile, Trump threatened “intense” bombing if Iran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president warned that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before.“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” he wrote.He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”<h2>Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’</h2>Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced that he is pausing the US military operation ‘Project Freedom’, aimed at directing stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a possibility of sealing a deal to end the war. However, he maintained that the US blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place as Tehran kept its own closure of the world’s most strategic trade route.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The United States reportedly believes it is closer to reaching a deal with Iran to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as US President Donald Trump warns of intensified bombing if talks fail.

The White House reportedly believes that it is getting close to reaching an agreement with Iran, with the United States expecting Iranian responses on several key issues in the next 48 hours. While no agreement has been reached between the two nations since the fragile ceasefire came into effect on April 8, a US media report has suggested that this was the closest both parties had been to an agreement since the war began on February 28. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump once again threatened Iran to reach a deal, warning of “intense” bombing. According to an Axios report, citing US officials and other sources, the US believes it is getting closer to an agreement with Iran on a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war and set a framework for detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program. What’s in the one-page memo? The deal includes Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the US agreeing to lift sanctions on Tehran and releasing billions of frozen Iranian funds. It also includes both sides lifting restrictions on the transit of ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Many of the terms outlined in the memo depend on a final agreement being reached, leaving open the possibility of renewed conflict or a prolonged stalemate where active fighting has ceased but no lasting resolution has been achieved. In its current form, the MOU would mark the end of the conflict and begin a 30-day window for negotiations on a comprehensive deal, including reopening the strait, curbing Iran’s nuclear activities, and easing US sanctions. The talks could be held in Islamabad or Geneva, the report added, citing sources. On Wednesday (May 6), Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has positioned himself as a key mediator in the negotiations between Iran and the United States, said that he was “hopeful” that the current momentum of talks would lead to peace in West Asia. Trump warns of ‘intense’ bombing Meanwhile, Trump threatened “intense” bombing if Iran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president warned that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before. “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” he wrote. He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.” Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’ Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced that he is pausing the US military operation ‘Project Freedom’, aimed at directing stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a possibility of sealing a deal to end the war. However, he maintained that the US blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place as Tehran kept its own closure of the world’s most strategic trade route. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The United States reportedly believes it is closer to reaching a deal with Iran to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as US President Donald Trump warns of intensified bombing if talks fail.

US, Iran close to reaching a deal? Inside one-page memo to end war

After the part of an Alaskan mountain crumbled into the sea, a massive 'megatsunami' wave was created, marking the second-tallest ever, reminding the risks posed by melting glaciers, according to scientists. Last year, a giant wave came across a remote fjord in southeast Alaska leading to the destruction in its wake.&nbsp;The event, which went largely unreported at the time, now shows that small earthquakes resulted in a massive landslide. As a result, 64 million cubic metres of rock, the equivalent of 24 Great Pyramids, splashed into the water, creating a gigantic wave almost 500 metres tall. In response, Dr Bretwood Higman, an Alaskan geologist who witnessed the damage at Tracy Arm Fjord, stated that it was "a close call". "We know that there were people who were very nearly in the wrong place," he said. 'I'm quite terrified that we're not going to be so lucky in the future." Massive waves known as megatsunamis occur when landslides, triggered by earthquakes or unstable rock, crash into bodies of water. These events are typically confined to local areas and lose strength quickly. In contrast, ocean-wide tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes or, at times, underwater volcanic activity. Such tsunamis, like the 2011 Japan disaster, can travel vast distances, striking populated coastlines and causing extensive destruction and loss of life. The largest recorded megatsunami occurred in the 1950s, exceeding 500 metres in height, with the recent event ranking as the second largest. When Dr Higman reached the Tracy Arm Fjord—an Alaskan cruise destination—weeks after the event, he observed shattered trees scattered across slopes and waters, along with large expanses of exposed rock where soil and vegetation had been stripped away.<h3>Vulnerability of Alaska</h3>Alaska is mainly vulnerable to megatsunamis because of its narrow fjords, steep mountains and frequent earthquakes. The new research published in Science indicates that glacier melt due to climate change is making it even worse. Dr Stephen Hicks of University College London stated that the glacier was previously "helping to hold up this piece of rock", and so when the ice retreated, it exposed the bottom of the cliff face, "allowing that rock material to suddenly collapse into the fjord". Stephen's team have studied tsunamis for almost 10 years and is worried about it. "More people are now going to remote areas - often these tourist cruises are going to see the natural beauty of the area to actually learn more about climate change - but they are also dangerous places to be," he added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/1-000-strange-marks-on-a-rock-in-italy-left-hikers-stunned-ancient-underwater-stampede-might-be-responsible-1778069857931">1,000 identical marks on a rock in Italy are from an ancient underwater stampede. Who made them?</a>

A massive 500-meter megatsunami, the second-tallest ever recorded, struck Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord after a landslide dumped 64 million cubic meters of rock into the water. Scientists warn that melting glaciers due to climate change are destabilising cliffs.

After the part of an Alaskan mountain crumbled into the sea, a massive 'megatsunami' wave was created, marking the second-tallest ever, reminding the risks posed by melting glaciers, according to scientists. Last year, a giant wave came across a remote fjord in southeast Alaska leading to the destruction in its wake. The event, which went largely unreported at the time, now shows that small earthquakes resulted in a massive landslide. As a result, 64 million cubic metres of rock, the equivalent of 24 Great Pyramids, splashed into the water, creating a gigantic wave almost 500 metres tall. In response, Dr Bretwood Higman, an Alaskan geologist who witnessed the damage at Tracy Arm Fjord, stated that it was "a close call". "We know that there were people who were very nearly in the wrong place," he said. 'I'm quite terrified that we're not going to be so lucky in the future." Massive waves known as megatsunamis occur when landslides, triggered by earthquakes or unstable rock, crash into bodies of water. These events are typically confined to local areas and lose strength quickly. In contrast, ocean-wide tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes or, at times, underwater volcanic activity. Such tsunamis, like the 2011 Japan disaster, can travel vast distances, striking populated coastlines and causing extensive destruction and loss of life. The largest recorded megatsunami occurred in the 1950s, exceeding 500 metres in height, with the recent event ranking as the second largest. When Dr Higman reached the Tracy Arm Fjord—an Alaskan cruise destination—weeks after the event, he observed shattered trees scattered across slopes and waters, along with large expanses of exposed rock where soil and vegetation had been stripped away. Vulnerability of Alaska Alaska is mainly vulnerable to megatsunamis because of its narrow fjords, steep mountains and frequent earthquakes. The new research published in Science indicates that glacier melt due to climate change is making it even worse. Dr Stephen Hicks of University College London stated that the glacier was previously "helping to hold up this piece of rock", and so when the ice retreated, it exposed the bottom of the cliff face, "allowing that rock material to suddenly collapse into the fjord". Stephen's team have studied tsunamis for almost 10 years and is worried about it. "More people are now going to remote areas - often these tourist cruises are going to see the natural beauty of the area to actually learn more about climate change - but they are also dangerous places to be," he added. Also read: 1,000 identical marks on a rock in Italy are from an ancient underwater stampede. Who made them?

A massive 500-metre megatsunami, the second-tallest ever recorded, struck Alaska’s Tracy Arm Fjord after a landslide dumped 64 million cubic meters of rock into the water. Scientists warn that melting glaciers due to climate change are destabilising cliffs.

Massive 500-metre 'megatsunami' hits Alaska Fjord after part of mountain collapses

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured in a horrific accident after a bus carrying passengers collided with a fuel tanker on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island on Wednesday, said a disaster agency official. According to disaster management authorities, 14 victims were bus passengers, while two were from the tanker. The accident occurred in North Musi Rawas Regency and led to a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles.&nbsp;“Fourteen passengers of the bus and two people in the oil tanker died in the crash in North Musi Rawas Regency,” said Hasbi Hasidqi, an official, as local TV broadcast images of wreckage in flames.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At least 16 people killed, several others injured in a horrific accident after a bus collided with a fuel tanker in Indonesia&#39;s Sumatra. Follow Press TV on Telegram: <a href="https://t.co/LWoNSpkc2J">https://t.co/LWoNSpkc2J</a> <a href="https://t.co/sBoSKf3t6U">pic.twitter.com/sBoSKf3t6U</a>&mdash; Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/2051995885786087590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tvk-chief-vijay-meets-tamil-nadu-governor-rajendra-arlekar-stakes-claim-to-form-govt-1778070265153">TVK chief Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor and stakes claim to form govt, but still short of numbers</a>&nbsp;Officials said preliminary findings indicate that a tyre of the bus had burst, following which the driver lost control, resulting in the collision. The impact triggered a blaze as the tanker, which was carrying diesel, caught fire.The injured persons were rushed to the hospital, with three reported to have suffered serious burn injuries.Authorities said emergency teams responded quickly, but the intensity of the fire made rescue operations challenging.Investigations into the latest crash are underway.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-verify-think-before-sharing-says-giorgia-meloni-after-her-ai-made-image-in-lingerie-goes-viral-1778010741625">‘Verify, think before sharing,’ says Giorgia Meloni after her AI-made image in lingerie goes viral</a>&nbsp;The tragedy comes weeks after a train collision in West Java left multiple casualties, highlighting ongoing safety issues in the transport sector.A long-distance train slammed into the last, women-only carriage of a stationary commuter train near the Bekasi Timur station in West Java on Monday, killing 16 women and injuring at least 90 people.Days later, a train hit a car in Central Java, killing four people, including two children.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-beaten-badly-its-navy-reduced-to-little-boats-with-machine-guns-says-trump-1778004098730">‘Iran beaten badly, its navy reduced to little boats with machine guns,’ says Trump</a>&nbsp;Road accidents remain a recurring concern in Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation where buses, trains, and even planes are often old and poorly maintained and are often cited as contributing factors in mishaps.

Disaster agency officials said preliminary findings indicate that a tyre of the bus had burst, following which the driver lost control, resulting in the collision. The impact triggered a blaze as the tanker, which was carrying diesel, caught fire.

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured in a horrific accident after a bus carrying passengers collided with a fuel tanker on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island on Wednesday, said a disaster agency official. According to disaster management authorities, 14 victims were bus passengers, while two were from the tanker. The accident occurred in North Musi Rawas Regency and led to a massive fire that engulfed both vehicles. “Fourteen passengers of the bus and two people in the oil tanker died in the crash in North Musi Rawas Regency,” said Hasbi Hasidqi, an official, as local TV broadcast images of wreckage in flames.

Disaster agency officials said preliminary findings indicate that a tyre of the bus had burst, following which the driver lost control, resulting in the collision. The impact triggered a blaze as the tanker, which was carrying diesel, caught fire.

16 killed, several injured as bus collides with fuel tanker in Indonesia’s Sumatra

Oil prices again fell below $100 per barrel after US President Donald Trump announced a pause in the “Project Freedom” on Wednesday. Trump said that he is halting the “Project Freedom” so he could finalise a deal with Iran, but suggested that his blockade or Iranian port will remain in place. At the time of writing, Brent Crude contract was trading at $103.22 per barrel. Brent crude fell 10 per cent to $98, and WTI dropped over 12 per cent to $89 on May 6 as Trump cited "great progress" toward a "complete and final agreement" with Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that Iran will accept only “a fair and comprehensive agreement”, leaving the idea of negotiations in limbo.&nbsp;The stock market rallied as major indices like the S&amp;P 500 jumped to a new all-time record, opening up 0.8 per cent and trading near 7,316, and the Sensex surged sharply by 940.73 points or 1.22 per cent to close at 77,958.52, recovering nearly 1,200 points from its intraday low. On May 6, 2026, the Indian rupee (INR) rebounded to 94.59 per US dollar, snapping a five-day losing streak. The crude oil had been falling since Wednesday morning after an Axios report suggested that White House was close to a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war with Iran. It said the two sides were ready to set a framework for more detailed nuclear talks, citing four sources including two US officials.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-school-caning-bullying-desmond-lee-policy-1777724517896">Caning for bullies? Singapore’s tough new school policy grabs attention</a>However, analysts predict this is another such see-saw occurrence of market volatility. Oil prices fall, the stock market rallies following Trump's announcement and then again markets correct course, and there is a sharp rise in oil prices following failure in negotiations or resumption in attacks in the Persian Gulf. Following the temporary easing, US President Donald Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday that it is "too soon" to consider face-to-face peace talks with Iran or prepare for a signing ceremony in Islamabad, cooling expectations that had sent oil prices sharply lower earlier in the day. Following the news, Brent prices climbed back up to $102, while WTI climbed to $94 on the news.

Oil prices fall sharply after Donald Trump pauses Project Freedom amid Iran deal talks, while global stocks surge and markets remain volatile.

Oil prices again fell below $100 per barrel after US President Donald Trump announced a pause in the “Project Freedom” on Wednesday. Trump said that he is halting the “Project Freedom” so he could finalise a deal with Iran, but suggested that his blockade or Iranian port will remain in place. At the time of writing, Brent Crude contract was trading at $103.22 per barrel. Brent crude fell 10 per cent to $98, and WTI dropped over 12 per cent to $89 on May 6 as Trump cited "great progress" toward a "complete and final agreement" with Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that Iran will accept only “a fair and comprehensive agreement”, leaving the idea of negotiations in limbo. The stock market rallied as major indices like the S&P 500 jumped to a new all-time record, opening up 0.8 per cent and trading near 7,316, and the Sensex surged sharply by 940.73 points or 1.22 per cent to close at 77,958.52, recovering nearly 1,200 points from its intraday low. On May 6, 2026, the Indian rupee (INR) rebounded to 94.59 per US dollar, snapping a five-day losing streak. The crude oil had been falling since Wednesday morning after an Axios report suggested that White House was close to a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war with Iran. It said the two sides were ready to set a framework for more detailed nuclear talks, citing four sources including two US officials. Also Read: Caning for bullies? Singapore’s tough new school policy grabs attention However, analysts predict this is another such see-saw occurrence of market volatility. Oil prices fall, the stock market rallies following Trump's announcement and then again markets correct course, and there is a sharp rise in oil prices following failure in negotiations or resumption in attacks in the Persian Gulf. Following the temporary easing, US President Donald Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday that it is "too soon" to consider face-to-face peace talks with Iran or prepare for a signing ceremony in Islamabad, cooling expectations that had sent oil prices sharply lower earlier in the day. Following the news, Brent prices climbed back up to $102, while WTI climbed to $94 on the news.

Oil prices fall sharply after Donald Trump pauses Project Freedom amid Iran deal talks, while global stocks surge and markets remain volatile.

Donald Trump pauses Project Freedom, oil dips below $100 before rebound

Singapore has made headlines once again after announcing caning for severe cases of bullying. Singapore's Minister for Education Desmond Lee said on Tuesday that male bullies would be subjected to caning as a last resort, only when "all other measures are inadequate", female will be exempted from the punishment in line with Singapore's Criminal Procedure Code, which states "women shall not be punished with caning".&nbsp;He acknowledged the studies regarding corporal punishment in unregulated and informal settings and its negative outcomes. "Caning must be approved by the principal and administered only by authorised teachers," said Singapore's Minister of Education Desmond Lee. Schools shall consider factors such as maturity, age and whether it could help learn from his ability to learn from his mistakes.&nbsp;“We recognise this, and I want to emphasise that the context in our schools is quite different,” said Singapore's Minister of Education. Lee added that it is a restorative or disciplinary measure against undesirable activity such as bullying, cheating, gambling and vaping. First-time offenders, both girls and boys, of serious misconduct face one to three days of detention, suspension, an adjusted conduct grade or all three together; only older boys will receive one stroke of the cane if there are aggravating factors.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wang-yi-iran-hormuz-ceasefire-us-tensions-1778063786015">China urges to reopen Strait of Hormuz defends Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy</a>This approach is grounded in research, said Lee. BF Skinner is the father of Operant Conditioning have argued about various types of positive punishment, like caning and negative punishment, like removing a desirable stimulus, such as good grades, to induce children's behaviour of better choices. But his research led him to a quite sceptical end. He opined that positive punishment, like caning, can lead to develop long term character like being withdrawn, avoidant and escapist. He further argues that positive reinforcement, like rewarding a desirable behaviour, is more productive.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Trained school personnel will also look out for signs of distress that may not be immediately visible or explicitly communicated, and provide timely and appropriate support,” said Lee. The Ministry of Education is also managing cyberbullying, such as harassment, doxxing and intimate image abuse, as a serious problem and is planning to initiate need-based funding to hire youth workers, pastoral care officers and parent liaison officers - roles intended to support student management and ease teachers’ workloads. It is also planning to launch an Online Safety Commission at the end of June to help children seek more help in case of bullying or abuse.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Singapore allows caning for severe bullying cases as a last resort, with Education Minister Desmond Lee outlining strict safeguards and exemptions.

Singapore has made headlines once again after announcing caning for severe cases of bullying. Singapore's Minister for Education Desmond Lee said on Tuesday that male bullies would be subjected to caning as a last resort, only when "all other measures are inadequate", female will be exempted from the punishment in line with Singapore's Criminal Procedure Code, which states "women shall not be punished with caning". He acknowledged the studies regarding corporal punishment in unregulated and informal settings and its negative outcomes. "Caning must be approved by the principal and administered only by authorised teachers," said Singapore's Minister of Education Desmond Lee. Schools shall consider factors such as maturity, age and whether it could help learn from his ability to learn from his mistakes. “We recognise this, and I want to emphasise that the context in our schools is quite different,” said Singapore's Minister of Education. Lee added that it is a restorative or disciplinary measure against undesirable activity such as bullying, cheating, gambling and vaping. First-time offenders, both girls and boys, of serious misconduct face one to three days of detention, suspension, an adjusted conduct grade or all three together; only older boys will receive one stroke of the cane if there are aggravating factors. Also Read: China urges to reopen Strait of Hormuz defends Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy This approach is grounded in research, said Lee. BF Skinner is the father of Operant Conditioning have argued about various types of positive punishment, like caning and negative punishment, like removing a desirable stimulus, such as good grades, to induce children's behaviour of better choices. But his research led him to a quite sceptical end. He opined that positive punishment, like caning, can lead to develop long term character like being withdrawn, avoidant and escapist. He further argues that positive reinforcement, like rewarding a desirable behaviour, is more productive. “Trained school personnel will also look out for signs of distress that may not be immediately visible or explicitly communicated, and provide timely and appropriate support,” said Lee. The Ministry of Education is also managing cyberbullying, such as harassment, doxxing and intimate image abuse, as a serious problem and is planning to initiate need-based funding to hire youth workers, pastoral care officers and parent liaison officers - roles intended to support student management and ease teachers’ workloads. It is also planning to launch an Online Safety Commission at the end of June to help children seek more help in case of bullying or abuse.

Singapore allows caning for severe bullying cases as a last resort, with Education Minister Desmond Lee outlining strict safeguards and exemptions.

Caning for bullies? Singapore’s tough new school policy grabs attention

Former US president Barack Obama has said that ongoing political pressures, including those linked to Donald Trump, have created “genuine tension” in his marriage to Michelle Obama.&nbsp;In an interview with The New Yorker journalist Peter Slevin, Obama reflected on how his role as a leading Democratic figure continues to weigh on his personal life, more than a decade after leaving the White House.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-much-higher-than-before-trump-threatens-intense-bombing-if-iran-refuses-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-1778069096524">‘Much higher than before’: Trump threatens ‘intense’ bombing if Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Obama said he had initially believed that institutional safeguards such as the US Constitution would constrain Trump’s presidency. However, he noted that this expectation was quickly upended, prompting increasing calls for him to publicly respond to developments during Trump’s time in office. These included controversial policies such as the attempted ban on travellers from several Muslim-majority countries and the expansion of immigration detention programmes.&nbsp;According to Obama, the pressure to re-enter the political arena, whether through campaign appearances or public messaging, has had a direct impact on his relationship. “It does create a genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her,” he said, referring to Michelle Obama’s reaction to the constant demands on his time.&nbsp;He added that his wife would prefer him to step back from public life. “She wants to see her husband easing up and spending more time with her, enjoying what remains of our lives,” he said.&nbsp;Obama has previously spoken about the strain political life placed on his family, particularly the scrutiny faced by Michelle Obama and their daughters during their years in the White House as the first Black presidential family.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gas-hits-4-50-a-gallon-as-trump-s-approval-ratings-sinks-to-record-low-ahead-of-us-midterms-1778055139043">Gas hits $4.50 a gallon as Trump's approval ratings sink to record low</a>&nbsp;The remarks come amid continued speculation among some Democratic supporters about a potential political role for Michelle Obama. However, other party figures suggested such expectations may be unrealistic in the current political climate.&nbsp;“I would say that we are all a little naïve if we think that can happen again,” said Tina Smith, speaking to the magazine. She added that while there is nostalgia for Obama’s presidency, there is also a recognition that the political landscape has fundamentally changed. &nbsp;

Barack Obama revealed that Donald Trump’s presidency and ongoing political demands caused “genuine tension” in his marriage, as Michelle Obama prefers he retire from public life to prioritise family.

Former US president Barack Obama has said that ongoing political pressures, including those linked to Donald Trump, have created “genuine tension” in his marriage to Michelle Obama. In an interview with The New Yorker journalist Peter Slevin, Obama reflected on how his role as a leading Democratic figure continues to weigh on his personal life, more than a decade after leaving the White House. Also read:‘Much higher than before’: Trump threatens ‘intense’ bombing if Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz Obama said he had initially believed that institutional safeguards such as the US Constitution would constrain Trump’s presidency. However, he noted that this expectation was quickly upended, prompting increasing calls for him to publicly respond to developments during Trump’s time in office. These included controversial policies such as the attempted ban on travellers from several Muslim-majority countries and the expansion of immigration detention programmes. According to Obama, the pressure to re-enter the political arena, whether through campaign appearances or public messaging, has had a direct impact on his relationship. “It does create a genuine tension in our household, and it frustrates her,” he said, referring to Michelle Obama’s reaction to the constant demands on his time. He added that his wife would prefer him to step back from public life. “She wants to see her husband easing up and spending more time with her, enjoying what remains of our lives,” he said. Obama has previously spoken about the strain political life placed on his family, particularly the scrutiny faced by Michelle Obama and their daughters during their years in the White House as the first Black presidential family. Also read: Gas hits $4.50 a gallon as Trump's approval ratings sink to record low The remarks come amid continued speculation among some Democratic supporters about a potential political role for Michelle Obama. However, other party figures suggested such expectations may be unrealistic in the current political climate. “I would say that we are all a little naïve if we think that can happen again,” said Tina Smith, speaking to the magazine. She added that while there is nostalgia for Obama’s presidency, there is also a recognition that the political landscape has fundamentally changed.

Barack Obama revealed that Donald Trump’s presidency and ongoing political demands caused “genuine tension” in his marriage, as Michelle Obama prefers he retire from public life to prioritise family.

‘It frustrates her’: Obama reveals Trump caused ‘genuine tension’ in his marriage to Michelle

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 6) renewed threats against Iran, warning that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before. This comes after a report suggested that Washington and Tehran were close to reaching a deal to end the war and set a framework for nuclear negotiations.In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.”He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”This comes after a US media outlet, Axios, reported that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war. It added that both sides will set a framework for more detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced that he is pausing the US military operation ‘Project Freedom’, aimed at directing stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a possibility of sealing a deal to end the war. However, he maintained that the US blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place as Tehran kept its own closure of the world’s most strategic trade route.The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockade has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices.<h2>Pakistan PM ‘hopeful’ amid negotiations</h2>Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has positioned himself as a key mediator in the negotiations between Iran and the United States, said on Wednesday (May 6) that he was “hopeful” that the current momentum of talks would lead to peace in West Asia.In a post on X, Sharif wrote, “I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.”He added, “President Trump's gracious response ... will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.”“We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he said.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump warns Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or face intensified bombing, saying the blockade will continue unless Tehran accepts the terms.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (May 6) renewed threats against Iran, warning that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before. This comes after a report suggested that Washington and Tehran were close to reaching a deal to end the war and set a framework for nuclear negotiations. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran.” He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.” This comes after a US media outlet, Axios, reported that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war. It added that both sides will set a framework for more detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced that he is pausing the US military operation ‘Project Freedom’, aimed at directing stranded commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting a possibility of sealing a deal to end the war. However, he maintained that the US blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place as Tehran kept its own closure of the world’s most strategic trade route. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockade has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices. Pakistan PM ‘hopeful’ amid negotiations Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has positioned himself as a key mediator in the negotiations between Iran and the United States, said on Wednesday (May 6) that he was “hopeful” that the current momentum of talks would lead to peace in West Asia. In a post on X, Sharif wrote, “I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.” He added, “President Trump's gracious response ... will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.” “We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

US President Donald Trump warns Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or face intensified bombing, saying the blockade will continue unless Tehran accepts the terms.

‘Much higher than before’: Trump threatens ‘intense’ bombing if Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz

Iran on Wednesday (May 6) said that it would accept a peace deal only if it was a “fair and comprehensive” agreement. This comes after US President Donald Trump paused ‘Project Freedom’, a three-day-old naval mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, announced on Sunday (May 3), had not been successful in resuming marine traffic through the strategic water. Meanwhile, the move provoked a fresh wave of Iranian strikes on ships in the strait and on targets in the Gulf nations.During his visit to China on Wednesday, ​Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Tehran was holding out for “a fair and comprehensive agreement”. He did not mention Trump’s latest remarks on the pause of the operation. The US president has maintained that the blockade will remain in full effect.<h2>Trump warns of ‘intense’ bombing</h2>Meanwhile, Trump threatened “intense” bombing if Iran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president warned that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before.&nbsp;“Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” he wrote.He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.”This comes after a US media outlet, Axios, reported that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war. It added that both sides will set a framework for more detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program.<h2>Pakistan PM ‘hopeful’ amid negotiations</h2>Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has positioned himself as a key mediator in the negotiations between Iran and the United States, said on Wednesday (May 6) that he was “hopeful” that the current momentum of talks would lead to peace in West Asia.In a post on X, Sharif wrote, “I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.”He added, “President Trump's gracious response ... will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.”“We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Iran says it will accept only a fair peace deal as Donald Trump pauses Strait of Hormuz mission; tensions rise with fresh Iranian strikes amid ongoing blockade.

Iran on Wednesday (May 6) said that it would accept a peace deal only if it was a “fair and comprehensive” agreement. This comes after US President Donald Trump paused ‘Project Freedom’, a three-day-old naval mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, announced on Sunday (May 3), had not been successful in resuming marine traffic through the strategic water. Meanwhile, the move provoked a fresh wave of Iranian strikes on ships in the strait and on targets in the Gulf nations. During his visit to China on Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Tehran was holding out for “a fair and comprehensive agreement”. He did not mention Trump’s latest remarks on the pause of the operation. The US president has maintained that the blockade will remain in full effect. Trump warns of ‘intense’ bombing Meanwhile, Trump threatened “intense” bombing if Iran refuses to open the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president warned that if Tehran does not allow Hormuz to be open to all, “bombing” will start at a “much higher level” and more intense than it was before. “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” he wrote. He added, “If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before.” This comes after a US media outlet, Axios, reported that Washington and Tehran were close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war. It added that both sides will set a framework for more detailed negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program. Pakistan PM ‘hopeful’ amid negotiations Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has positioned himself as a key mediator in the negotiations between Iran and the United States, said on Wednesday (May 6) that he was “hopeful” that the current momentum of talks would lead to peace in West Asia. In a post on X, Sharif wrote, “I am grateful to President Donald Trump for his courageous leadership and timely announcement regarding the pause in Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.” He added, “President Trump's gracious response ... will go a long way towards advancing regional peace, stability and reconciliation during this sensitive period.” “We are very hopeful that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement that secures durable peace and stability for the region and beyond,” he said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran says it will accept only a fair peace deal as Donald Trump pauses Strait of Hormuz mission; tensions rise with fresh Iranian strikes amid ongoing blockade.

Iran seeking ‘fair and comprehensive’ deal after Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a complete and immediate end to the war in West Asia, and urged the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible”. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing on Wednesday, in his first trip to China since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran that set off a global crisis, one of the worst energy shocks in the world, threatening the energy security of China, the world's top crude importer. During a high-stakes meeting in Beijing with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, Wang emphasised that achieving a comprehensive ceasefire "brooks no delay" and that restarting hostilities would be "unacceptable"."China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential," said Wang Yi during the meeting as briefed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. "We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the ​negotiations," said Araghchi to an Iranian news agency, adding that "We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement," discussing the talks between Tehran and Washington. The Wang-Araghchi summit came just one day after the US President Donald Trump announced Project Freedom to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-ramaswamy-ohio-governor-primary-2026-trump-acton-1778052368605">Vivek Ramaswamy wins Ohio GOP governor nomination, sets up November clash with Amy Acton</a><h2>China reaffirmed support for Iran's peaceful nuclear energy</h2>Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended Iran's legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy and praised Iran’s commitment to not pursuing nuclear weapons while defending its right to civilian nuclear technology. China also recognised Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It also condemned nuclear strikes on Iran's nuclear facility, under IAEA safeguards, saying that they set a "dangerous precedent". It offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran to reach a peaceful negotiation.Earlier in the week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China “to intensify its diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to open the strait to international shipping.”

Wang Yi calls for an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during talks with Abbas Araghchi as tensions with the US escalate.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a complete and immediate end to the war in West Asia, and urged the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as possible”. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi visited Beijing on Wednesday, in his first trip to China since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran that set off a global crisis, one of the worst energy shocks in the world, threatening the energy security of China, the world's top crude importer. During a high-stakes meeting in Beijing with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, Wang emphasised that achieving a comprehensive ceasefire "brooks no delay" and that restarting hostilities would be "unacceptable". "China considers that a complete cessation of fighting must be achieved without delay, that it is even more unacceptable to restart hostilities, and that continuing to negotiate remains essential," said Wang Yi during the meeting as briefed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. "We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations," said Araghchi to an Iranian news agency, adding that "We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement," discussing the talks between Tehran and Washington. The Wang-Araghchi summit came just one day after the US President Donald Trump announced Project Freedom to escort merchant vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: Vivek Ramaswamy wins Ohio GOP governor nomination, sets up November clash with Amy Acton China reaffirmed support for Iran's peaceful nuclear energy Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended Iran's legitimate right to peaceful nuclear energy and praised Iran’s commitment to not pursuing nuclear weapons while defending its right to civilian nuclear technology. China also recognised Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. It also condemned nuclear strikes on Iran's nuclear facility, under IAEA safeguards, saying that they set a "dangerous precedent". It offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran to reach a peaceful negotiation. Earlier in the week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China “to intensify its diplomatic efforts to persuade Iran to open the strait to international shipping.”

Wang Yi calls for an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during talks with Abbas Araghchi as tensions with the US escalate.

China urges to reopen Strait of Hormuz defends Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) that India and Vietnam have designed a strategic roadmap to bolster bilateral trade to USD 25 billion by 2030. This includes a deal on the BrahMos supersonic missile deal as well. The development will mark a significant expansion in economic and sector-specific cooperation between the two nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;The announcement came while Prime Minister Modi and the President of Vietnam, To Lam, signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at Hyderabad House in Delhi. "We do talk about a number of platforms, and BrahMos is one of them", says P Kumaran, Secretary (East), Indian External Affairs Ministry.&nbsp;In a joint press conference, PM Modi highlighted the specific measures taken to increase market access and trade volume. "We have taken several important decisions today to take our bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030. The MoU between our drug authorities will now increase access to Indian medicines in Vietnam. The export of Indian agricultural, fisheries and animal products to Vietnam is also going to become easier," PM Modi stated.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewsAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewsAlert</a> | India confirms talks with Vietnam on BrahMos supersonic missile deal &quot;We do talk about a number of platforms, and BrahMos is one of them&quot;, says P Kumaran, Secretary (East), Indian external affairs ministry <a href="https://t.co/eUeXCmVDXL">pic.twitter.com/eUeXCmVDXL</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2052012011433951483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>Agricultural partnership</h3>The Prime Minister said the agricultural partnership would soon deliver visible benefits to consumers in both nations. He noted that Vietnam will soon import Indian grapes and pomegranates, while India will receive Vietnamese pomelos. He also mentioned an agreement to update the India-ASEAN Trade Agreement by year-end, boosting trade and investment.&nbsp;Highlighting forward-looking areas, he added that the partnership is increasingly centred on strengthening supply chains and developing infrastructure. "New initiatives in critical minerals, rare earths, and energy cooperation will ensure the economic security and supply chain resilience of both our countries. Connectivity and capacity building are important pillars of our partnership. We are very happy that air connectivity between the two countries is continuously increasing," he observed.&nbsp;Both leaders also prioritised closer ties between their respective financial institutions to facilitate smoother economic transactions. "To push financial connectivity, today we have taken the initiative to increase cooperation between our Central Banks," the Prime Minister confirmed. The discussions indicated the growing economic and strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-ditches-dmk-allies-with-vijay-s-tvk-in-tamil-nadu-are-the-numbers-with-thalapathy-now-1778054190505">Congress ditches DMK, allies with Vijay's TVK in Tamil Nadu; Stalin's party call it betrayal for INDIA bloc</a>

PM Modi also said that the partnership in agriculture would soon deliver visible benefits to consumers in both nations, noting that Vietnam will soon import Indian grapes and pomegranates, while India will receive Vietnamese pomelos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) that India and Vietnam have designed a strategic roadmap to bolster bilateral trade to USD 25 billion by 2030. This includes a deal on the BrahMos supersonic missile deal as well. The development will mark a significant expansion in economic and sector-specific cooperation between the two nations. The announcement came while Prime Minister Modi and the President of Vietnam, To Lam, signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) at Hyderabad House in Delhi. "We do talk about a number of platforms, and BrahMos is one of them", says P Kumaran, Secretary (East), Indian External Affairs Ministry. In a joint press conference, PM Modi highlighted the specific measures taken to increase market access and trade volume. "We have taken several important decisions today to take our bilateral trade to $25 billion by 2030. The MoU between our drug authorities will now increase access to Indian medicines in Vietnam. The export of Indian agricultural, fisheries and animal products to Vietnam is also going to become easier," PM Modi stated.

PM Modi also said that the partnership in agriculture would soon deliver visible benefits to consumers in both nations, noting that Vietnam will soon import Indian grapes and pomegranates, while India will receive Vietnamese pomelos.

India, Vietnam set $25 billion trade target by 2030, sign key MoUs including BrahMos deal

The Trump vs Pope feud is heating up again. Pope Leo XIV has publicly responded to US President Donald Trump's latest attack on him over the Iran war. Pushing back against Trump's repeated and baseless assertion that the Chicago-born pontiff supports Iran's right to develop nuclear weapons, the pontiff, without mentioning the POTUS' name, said, "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully." &nbsp;<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>Trump made the claim again on Monday in an interview with Salem News Channel's Hugh Hewitt. "The pope would rather talk about the fact that it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don't think that's very good," Trump said. "I think he's endangering a lot of Catholics, and a lot of people, but I guess if it's up to the pope, he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon." Trump has made the claim multiple times; however, the Pope has not said anything of this sort publicly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fact-check-did-the-pope-endorse-iran-s-nuclear-ambitions-decoding-trump-s-latest-vatican-attack-1776757709073">Fact check: Did the Pope endorse Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Decoding Trump’s latest Vatican attack</a><h2>Pope slams Trump</h2>Without naming Trump, Leo addressed the mischaracterisation directly. "I have already spoken from the first moment — 'Peace be with you.' The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace," he said, in remarks transcribed by Vatican correspondent Michael Haynes. "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully. The Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years, so there is no doubt about that."Previously, the Catholic Church had formally opposed all nuclear weapons for years, and Leo himself had specifically called for a world "free from the nuclear threat," urging world leaders to pursue "dialogue and diplomacy" rather than rearmament. At St. Peter's Basilica on April 12, he told gathered Catholics: "It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned, and deadly actions are decided."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-attack-on-dignity-pope-leo-xiv-takes-a-fresh-swipe-at-trump-the-most-explosive-moment-yet-in-their-public-feud-1777097130058">'Attack on dignity': Pope Leo XIV takes fresh swipe at Trump; the most explosive moment yet in their public feud</a><h2>Rubio's Vatican visit just got awkward</h2>The timing of the exchange is notable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Rome this week and meet with the pope Thursday morning. The State Department described the visit as an opportunity to discuss "the situation in the Middle East and mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere."

The Trump-Pope clash is escalating again, with Pope Leo XIV now publicly pushing back after Trump repeatedly accused him, without evidence, of supporting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Without naming Trump directly, the pontiff delivered a sharp rebuke. Scroll down to read what he said.

The Trump vs Pope feud is heating up again. Pope Leo XIV has publicly responded to US President Donald Trump's latest attack on him over the Iran war. Pushing back against Trump's repeated and baseless assertion that the Chicago-born pontiff supports Iran's right to develop nuclear weapons, the pontiff, without mentioning the POTUS' name, said, "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully." What did Trump say? Trump made the claim again on Monday in an interview with Salem News Channel's Hugh Hewitt. "The pope would rather talk about the fact that it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don't think that's very good," Trump said. "I think he's endangering a lot of Catholics, and a lot of people, but I guess if it's up to the pope, he thinks it's just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon." Trump has made the claim multiple times; however, the Pope has not said anything of this sort publicly. Also read | Fact check: Did the Pope endorse Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Decoding Trump’s latest Vatican attack Pope slams Trump Without naming Trump, Leo addressed the mischaracterisation directly. "I have already spoken from the first moment — 'Peace be with you.' The mission of the Church is to preach the Gospel, to preach peace," he said, in remarks transcribed by Vatican correspondent Michael Haynes. "If anyone wants to criticise me for proclaiming the Gospel, let them do so truthfully. The Church has spoken out against all nuclear weapons for years, so there is no doubt about that." Previously, the Catholic Church had formally opposed all nuclear weapons for years, and Leo himself had specifically called for a world "free from the nuclear threat," urging world leaders to pursue "dialogue and diplomacy" rather than rearmament. At St. Peter's Basilica on April 12, he told gathered Catholics: "It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned, and deadly actions are decided." Also read | 'Attack on dignity': Pope Leo XIV takes fresh swipe at Trump; the most explosive moment yet in their public feud Rubio's Vatican visit just got awkward The timing of the exchange is notable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Rome this week and meet with the pope Thursday morning. The State Department described the visit as an opportunity to discuss "the situation in the Middle East and mutual interests in the Western Hemisphere."

The Trump-Pope clash is escalating again, with Pope Leo XIV now publicly pushing back after Trump repeatedly accused him, without evidence, of supporting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Without naming Trump directly, the pontiff delivered a sharp rebuke. Scroll down to read what he said.

'If anyone wants to criticise me, do so truthfully': Pope Leo slams Trump over Iran nuclear claims

International No Diet Day, observed on 6 may, promotes body positivity and discourages harmful diet culture. The day is an opportunity to highlight healthy lifestyle choices and the risks of restrictive dieting.

No Diet Day 2026: Rethinking diet culture, embracing body positivity

American drivers are paying more than $4.50 a gallon for gasoline for the first time since July 2022, with the national average hitting $4.52 on Wednesday (May 6) morning, according to GasBuddy. This sharp escalation in fuel prices lands directly on the White House's political doorstep just five months before the US Midterm elections, where US President Donald Trump faces a tough challenge. This comes as a new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll showed that Trump's approval ratings have reached the lowest level of his second term, with Americans voicing growing dissatisfaction over the economy, inflation and the escalating Iran conflict.<h2>US gas prices over $4.5 for the first time in almost 4 years</h2>The surge in gas prices is being driven by ongoing disruptions to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, where the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has rattled energy markets for weeks.Brent crude benchmark has climbed roughly 58 per cent since the conflict began. According to GasBuddy data, gas prices in the US first crossed the $4 mark in late March. They have accelerated sharply since.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-alert-us-reroutes-global-shipping-to-omani-waters-to-avoid-iranian-minefields-1778049002177">Strait of Hormuz alert: US reroutes global shipping to Omani waters to avoid Iranian 'minefields'</a><h2>Why the timing matters</h2>The timing couldn't be worse politically. Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the US summer driving season and historically the moment when fuel prices land hardest in the public consciousness, is just weeks away. Analysts warn that without de-escalation in the region, prices could push toward or beyond the records set during the 2022 energy crisis that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Oil prices pulled back Tuesday and continued falling Wednesday, with West Texas Intermediate dropping 3.1 per cent to $99.12 a barrel and Brent declining 2.6 per cent to $107.01. But gasoline inventory data suggests the relief may be short-lived.US gasoline stocks fell by more than 6 million barrels last week to 222.3 million barrels, the lowest level since December and below the five-year seasonal average. Morgan Stanley estimates stocks could drop by 200 million barrels by late August if current trends hold.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/london-police-form-dedicated-jewish-protection-unit-amid-deeply-troubling-rise-in-antisemitic-incidents-1778039035896">London police form dedicated Jewish protection unit amid 'deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents'</a><h2>Trump's approval ratings fall miserably</h2>A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos survey puts his approval rating at 37 per cent, the lowest of his second term, with 62 per cent disapproving, the highest disapproval rating recorded across both of his presidencies.The numbers on economic issues are particularly brutal. Around 76 per cent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the cost of living. Some 72 per cent disapprove of his management of inflation, a significant rise from February. Nearly two-thirds, 65 per cent, disapprove of his handling of the economy overall, matching the worst economic ratings ever recorded for Joe Biden in earlier ABC/Post polling.Personal trust and confidence metrics are also poor. Roughly seven in ten Americans said Trump is not honest or trustworthy. Two-thirds said he does not carefully consider important decisions. About 60 per cent said he lacks the mental sharpness required to serve as president, and 55 per cent questioned his physical fitness for the role. More than half said he is not a strong leader.On the congressional battlefield, Democrats hold a modest edge. Among registered voters, 49 per cent said they would back a Democratic candidate if elections were held today, compared to 44 per cent for Republicans.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260506/image-1778055412785.png"><figcaption>Image: GasBuddy</figcaption></figure>

As US gas prices surge past $4.50 a gallon for the first time in nearly four years, Donald Trump is heading into the midterm season facing a painful political squeeze: rising fuel costs, deep economic frustration and the worst approval ratings of his second term. Scroll down.

American drivers are paying more than $4.50 a gallon for gasoline for the first time since July 2022, with the national average hitting $4.52 on Wednesday (May 6) morning, according to GasBuddy. This sharp escalation in fuel prices lands directly on the White House's political doorstep just five months before the US Midterm elections, where US President Donald Trump faces a tough challenge. This comes as a new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll showed that Trump's approval ratings have reached the lowest level of his second term, with Americans voicing growing dissatisfaction over the economy, inflation and the escalating Iran conflict. US gas prices over $4.5 for the first time in almost 4 years The surge in gas prices is being driven by ongoing disruptions to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, where the US-Israeli conflict with Iran has rattled energy markets for weeks. Brent crude benchmark has climbed roughly 58 per cent since the conflict began. According to GasBuddy data, gas prices in the US first crossed the $4 mark in late March. They have accelerated sharply since. Also read | Strait of Hormuz alert: US reroutes global shipping to Omani waters to avoid Iranian 'minefields' Why the timing matters The timing couldn't be worse politically. Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the US summer driving season and historically the moment when fuel prices land hardest in the public consciousness, is just weeks away. Analysts warn that without de-escalation in the region, prices could push toward or beyond the records set during the 2022 energy crisis that followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Oil prices pulled back Tuesday and continued falling Wednesday, with West Texas Intermediate dropping 3.1 per cent to $99.12 a barrel and Brent declining 2.6 per cent to $107.01. But gasoline inventory data suggests the relief may be short-lived. US gasoline stocks fell by more than 6 million barrels last week to 222.3 million barrels, the lowest level since December and below the five-year seasonal average. Morgan Stanley estimates stocks could drop by 200 million barrels by late August if current trends hold. Also read | London police form dedicated Jewish protection unit amid 'deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents' Trump's approval ratings fall miserably A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos survey puts his approval rating at 37 per cent, the lowest of his second term, with 62 per cent disapproving, the highest disapproval rating recorded across both of his presidencies. The numbers on economic issues are particularly brutal. Around 76 per cent of Americans disapprove of how Trump is handling the cost of living. Some 72 per cent disapprove of his management of inflation, a significant rise from February. Nearly two-thirds, 65 per cent, disapprove of his handling of the economy overall, matching the worst economic ratings ever recorded for Joe Biden in earlier ABC/Post polling. Personal trust and confidence metrics are also poor. Roughly seven in ten Americans said Trump is not honest or trustworthy. Two-thirds said he does not carefully consider important decisions. About 60 per cent said he lacks the mental sharpness required to serve as president, and 55 per cent questioned his physical fitness for the role. More than half said he is not a strong leader. On the congressional battlefield, Democrats hold a modest edge. Among registered voters, 49 per cent said they would back a Democratic candidate if elections were held today, compared to 44 per cent for Republicans. Image: GasBuddy

As US gas prices surge past $4.50 a gallon for the first time in nearly four years, Donald Trump is heading into the midterm season facing a painful political squeeze: rising fuel costs, deep economic frustration and the worst approval ratings of his second term. Scroll down.

Gas hits $4.50 a gallon as Trump's approval ratings sink to record low ahead of US midterms

French President Emannuel Macron and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stole some of the spotlight, in the state dinner in Armenia with a diplomatic duet on Monday Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. Macron sang ‘La Boheme’ by Armenian-French musician Charles Aznavour, while Pashinyan was on drums and the celebrated jazz musician Vahagn Hayrapetyan was on piano. In addition to La Boheme, Macron also sang, “Les Feuilles Mortes” by Yves Montand. Macron was later spotted at a local cafe singing the French national anthem "La Marseillaise," with a crowd.The event was held at Armenia’s presidential residence on Monday night and was in Macron's honour. Macron was in Armenia for the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit and the first-ever Armenia-European Union Summit. Other notable presences included European Union President Ursula Von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and other Armenian officials.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vivek-ramaswamy-ohio-governor-primary-2026-trump-acton-1778052368605">Vivek Ramaswamy wins Ohio GOP governor nomination, sets up November clash with Amy Acton</a>Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called Macron a “great friend, brother and relative” of the Armenian people. The moment went viral globally, and it was quoted by the media as a “rare moment” of musical diplomacy. Armenian leader Pashinyan, who took office in 2018, is known for flexing his musical taste on social media. Observers noted the choice of "La Bohème" by Charles Aznavour, one of the most famous French-Armenian icon who was a powerful symbolic gesture that resonated with the shared cultural legacy of the French and Armenian legacy; it also deeply resonated with the local audience.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇫🇷🇦🇲 Macron grabbed the mic at a state dinner in Yerevan and sang &quot;La Bohème&quot; while Armenian PM Pashinyan backed him up on drums. Sometimes diplomacy looks like this. <a href="https://t.co/J2mCbVMbXv">https://t.co/J2mCbVMbXv</a> <a href="https://t.co/rnyPhB75jt">pic.twitter.com/rnyPhB75jt</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2051412604292055230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Emmanuel Macron performs “La Bohème” in Armenia with Nikol Pashinyan on drums, creating a viral moment of cultural diplomacy in Yerevan.

French President Emannuel Macron and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stole some of the spotlight, in the state dinner in Armenia with a diplomatic duet on Monday Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. Macron sang ‘La Boheme’ by Armenian-French musician Charles Aznavour, while Pashinyan was on drums and the celebrated jazz musician Vahagn Hayrapetyan was on piano. In addition to La Boheme, Macron also sang, “Les Feuilles Mortes” by Yves Montand. Macron was later spotted at a local cafe singing the French national anthem "La Marseillaise," with a crowd. The event was held at Armenia’s presidential residence on Monday night and was in Macron's honour. Macron was in Armenia for the 8th European Political Community (EPC) Summit and the first-ever Armenia-European Union Summit. Other notable presences included European Union President Ursula Von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and other Armenian officials. Also Read: Vivek Ramaswamy wins Ohio GOP governor nomination, sets up November clash with Amy Acton Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called Macron a “great friend, brother and relative” of the Armenian people. The moment went viral globally, and it was quoted by the media as a “rare moment” of musical diplomacy. Armenian leader Pashinyan, who took office in 2018, is known for flexing his musical taste on social media. Observers noted the choice of "La Bohème" by Charles Aznavour, one of the most famous French-Armenian icon who was a powerful symbolic gesture that resonated with the shared cultural legacy of the French and Armenian legacy; it also deeply resonated with the local audience.

Emmanuel Macron performs “La Bohème” in Armenia with Nikol Pashinyan on drums, creating a viral moment of cultural diplomacy in Yerevan.

Emmanuel Macron sings Aznavour in Yerevan, joins Nikol Pashinyan in viral musical moment

Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy won the Republican nomination for Ohio Governor, as he moves for a general election showdown in November against Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Public Health, an unopposed Democrat primary winner. The biotech entrepreneur cruised to victory over small businessman Casey Putsch, with approximately 87 per cent of the vote. Vivek Ramaswamy was backed by the US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Ramasway became famous nationally after running unsuccessfully in the 2024 Presidential Primary of Republicans and later backing Trump. Following Trump's victory, he was appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk in early 2025. But he soon left the job at DOGE, with one spokesperson saying he wanted to focus on running for the office.&nbsp;Following his victory, Ramaswamy thanked everyone for getting him through the primaries, maintaining that the real goal remains in November. Trump called Ramaswamy “something special”. US Vice President JD Vance, who is an Ohio resident, said that he voted for Vivek himself."He is Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country… Vivek Ramaswamy will be a great governor of Ohio, and has my complete and total endorsement - he will never let you down!" said Trump.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-indiana-gop-primary-2026-maga-victory-redistricting-1778045746445">Trump-backed candidates sweep Indiana GOP primary, unseat veteran lawmakers in major MAGA victory</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A world-class education is the birthright of every Ohioan &amp; we’ll make sure that’s what they get, from the inner cities to Appalachia. <a href="https://t.co/4s5btZfb2a">pic.twitter.com/4s5btZfb2a</a>&mdash; Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/VivekGRamaswamy/status/2051859531999977857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Campaign finance of &nbsp;Vivek Ramaswamy and Amy Acton</h2>Vivek has raised around $30 million in campaign finance. Ramaswamy raised $5 million during the first three months of 2026 and loaned $25 million for the next few months. Compared to Vivek, Acton had notably modest fundraising for the election in November. She also raised close to $5.1 million till now, with an additional $3 million cash in hand.Vivek Ramaswamy, owner of biotech firm Roivant Sciences, had a net worth of $1.8 billion as of late 2025, whereas Amy, a public health service expert, has no such single figure for net worth; she reportedly earned 62 cents in her checking account in 2025. Both of them have significant investments in over 100 businesses with a minimum of $1000 each.&nbsp;

Vivek Ramaswamy secures the Republican nomination for Ohio governor with strong backing from Donald Trump, setting up a high-stakes election battle against Democrat Amy Acton.

Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy won the Republican nomination for Ohio Governor, as he moves for a general election showdown in November against Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Public Health, an unopposed Democrat primary winner. The biotech entrepreneur cruised to victory over small businessman Casey Putsch, with approximately 87 per cent of the vote. Vivek Ramaswamy was backed by the US President Donald Trump. Ramasway became famous nationally after running unsuccessfully in the 2024 Presidential Primary of Republicans and later backing Trump. Following Trump's victory, he was appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk in early 2025. But he soon left the job at DOGE, with one spokesperson saying he wanted to focus on running for the office. Following his victory, Ramaswamy thanked everyone for getting him through the primaries, maintaining that the real goal remains in November. Trump called Ramaswamy “something special”. US Vice President JD Vance, who is an Ohio resident, said that he voted for Vivek himself. "He is Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country… Vivek Ramaswamy will be a great governor of Ohio, and has my complete and total endorsement - he will never let you down!" said Trump. Also Read: Trump-backed candidates sweep Indiana GOP primary, unseat veteran lawmakers in major MAGA victory

Vivek Ramaswamy secures the Republican nomination for Ohio governor with strong backing from Donald Trump, setting up a high-stakes election battle against Democrat Amy Acton.

Vivek Ramaswamy wins Ohio GOP governor nomination, sets up November clash with Amy Acton

Sometimes a single project can change the entire story of a region. India's Great Nicobar Island Development Project is exactly that kind of moment. This massive $10 billion plan is set to turn India's southernmost island into a powerful business and military hub, and experts believe it could shake up the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region.To understand why this project is such a big deal, we have to first look at the map. The Great Nicobar Island sits very close to the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest sea routes in the world. Think of the Malacca Strait as a narrow gate between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Almost every ship carrying oil, gas, and goods to East Asia passes through this gate. China, in particular, depends heavily on this route, with a huge share of its oil and trade flowing through it. This dependence is so worrying for Beijing that strategists call it the "Malacca dilemma."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-alert-us-reroutes-global-shipping-to-omani-waters-to-avoid-iranian-minefields-1778049002177">Strait of Hormuz alert: US reroutes global shipping to Omani waters to avoid Iranian 'minefields'</a>Now imagine India sitting right at the doorstep of this gate. That is exactly what Great Nicobar offers. By developing this island, India gets the power to watch, monitor, and if needed, influence the movement of ships through this critical passage. For China, this is not good news. Their entire trade lifeline can be observed from a distance.The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stretch for nearly 700 kilometres, almost like a natural wall placed at the entry of the Malacca Strait. Defence experts often say these islands act like a "natural aircraft carrier" for India. Great Nicobar, being the last island in this chain, is located almost equally close to Singapore, Port Klang in Malaysia, and Colombo in Sri Lanka. This means India can compete with these foreign ports and reduce its dependence on them for shifting cargo.The benefits go far beyond the military side. The project plans to build a major port, an airport, a power plant, and a full township on the island. Once ready, it can attract international shipping traffic, generate thousands of jobs, and bring better road, sea, and air connectivity to the region. It can also become a strong trade and logistics hub, supporting India's long-term plan of becoming a serious maritime power.There is also a bigger picture here. India has been working hard to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, especially as China keeps building ports and bases in countries around the Indian Ocean, often called the "String of Pearls" strategy. With Great Nicobar, India answers this move with its own strong base, placed in a location China cannot easily counter.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jalandhar-blast-khalistan-liberation-army-claims-responsibility-threatens-to-shed-so-much-blood-that-everything-will-look-red-1778040143835">Jalandhar blast: KLA claims responsibility for explosion near BSF HQ</a>The project has not been smooth sailing. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact on rainforests, coral reefs, and tribal communities living on the island. Taking these issues seriously, the National Green Tribunal has cleared the project, but with strict environmental conditions. The government has been told to protect biodiversity and the rights of local tribes while moving ahead.According to a report by Hindol Sengupta in The Sunday Guardian, this project could seriously challenge China's maritime strategy by giving India tighter control over key sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. In simple words, if any conflict ever arises, India would have a very strong card to play right at China's most sensitive chokepoint.The message is clear. Great Nicobar is not just about building roads and ports on a faraway island. It is about India taking its rightful place in global trade and security. It is about making sure that the seas around our country remain safe, open, and under our own watchful eye. If carried out well, this could become one of the boldest and smartest moves India has made in decades — quietly turning a tiny island into the country's biggest geopolitical asset.&nbsp;DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WION.

The massive $10 billion Great Nicobar Island Development Project plan is set to turn India's southernmost island into a powerful business and military hub, and experts believe it could shake up the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region.

Sometimes a single project can change the entire story of a region. India's Great Nicobar Island Development Project is exactly that kind of moment. This massive $10 billion plan is set to turn India's southernmost island into a powerful business and military hub, and experts believe it could shake up the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region. To understand why this project is such a big deal, we have to first look at the map. The Great Nicobar Island sits very close to the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest sea routes in the world. Think of the Malacca Strait as a narrow gate between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Almost every ship carrying oil, gas, and goods to East Asia passes through this gate. China, in particular, depends heavily on this route, with a huge share of its oil and trade flowing through it. This dependence is so worrying for Beijing that strategists call it the "Malacca dilemma." Also read | Strait of Hormuz alert: US reroutes global shipping to Omani waters to avoid Iranian 'minefields' Now imagine India sitting right at the doorstep of this gate. That is exactly what Great Nicobar offers. By developing this island, India gets the power to watch, monitor, and if needed, influence the movement of ships through this critical passage. For China, this is not good news. Their entire trade lifeline can be observed from a distance. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stretch for nearly 700 kilometres, almost like a natural wall placed at the entry of the Malacca Strait. Defence experts often say these islands act like a "natural aircraft carrier" for India. Great Nicobar, being the last island in this chain, is located almost equally close to Singapore, Port Klang in Malaysia, and Colombo in Sri Lanka. This means India can compete with these foreign ports and reduce its dependence on them for shifting cargo. The benefits go far beyond the military side. The project plans to build a major port, an airport, a power plant, and a full township on the island. Once ready, it can attract international shipping traffic, generate thousands of jobs, and bring better road, sea, and air connectivity to the region. It can also become a strong trade and logistics hub, supporting India's long-term plan of becoming a serious maritime power. There is also a bigger picture here. India has been working hard to expand its presence in the Indo-Pacific region, especially as China keeps building ports and bases in countries around the Indian Ocean, often called the "String of Pearls" strategy. With Great Nicobar, India answers this move with its own strong base, placed in a location China cannot easily counter. Also read | Jalandhar blast: KLA claims responsibility for explosion near BSF HQ The project has not been smooth sailing. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact on rainforests, coral reefs, and tribal communities living on the island. Taking these issues seriously, the National Green Tribunal has cleared the project, but with strict environmental conditions. The government has been told to protect biodiversity and the rights of local tribes while moving ahead. According to a report by Hindol Sengupta in The Sunday Guardian, this project could seriously challenge China's maritime strategy by giving India tighter control over key sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. In simple words, if any conflict ever arises, India would have a very strong card to play right at China's most sensitive chokepoint. The message is clear. Great Nicobar is not just about building roads and ports on a faraway island. It is about India taking its rightful place in global trade and security. It is about making sure that the seas around our country remain safe, open, and under our own watchful eye. If carried out well, this could become one of the boldest and smartest moves India has made in decades — quietly turning a tiny island into the country's biggest geopolitical asset. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WION.

&nbsp;The massive $10 billion Great Nicobar Island Development Project plan is set to turn India's southernmost island into a powerful business and military hub, and experts believe it could shake up the balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region.

India's bold Nicobar development counters China's String of Pearls

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news

world news

'Found Nothing': US judge releases alleged Jeffrey Epstein's suicide note

Democrats accuse Howard Lutnick of ‘egregious cover-up’ in Epstein investigation

IDF soldier sparks outrage after viral Virgin Mary statue photo in Lebanon

India and Vietnam boost strategic ties, set $25 billion trade target by 2030

US warplane fires at Iranian tanker trying to break naval blockade amid tensions

Ex-FedEx driver sentenced to death for gruesome murder of 7-year-old girl

Israel hits Beirut, targets Hezbollah commander in first attack since ceasefire

‘Very good chance of ending war, Iran to export enriched uranium to US’: Trump

Iran training ‘kamikaze dolphins’ to target US ships in Hormuz? Pentagon says...

Ted Turner, CNN founder dies at 87. Who was he?

US, Iran close to reaching a deal? Inside one-page memo to end war

Massive 500m 'megatsunami' hits Alaska Fjord after part of mountain collapses

16 killed, several injured as bus collides with fuel tanker in Indonesia

Donald Trump pauses Project Freedom, oil dips below $100 before rebound

Caning for bullies? Singapore’s tough new school policy grabs attention

Obama reveals Trump caused ‘genuine tension’ in his marriage to Michelle

Trump threatens ‘intense’ bombing if Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz

Iran seeking ‘fair and comprehensive’ deal after Trump pauses ‘Project Freedom’

China urges to reopen Hormuz defends Iran's right to peaceful nuclear energy

India, Vietnam set $25 billion trade target by 2030, sign key MoUs

'Want to criticise me, do so truthfully': Pope Leo slams Trump

No Diet Day 2026: Rethinking diet culture, embracing body positivity

Gas hits $4.50 a gallon as Trump's approval ratings sink to record low

Macron sings Aznavour in Yerevan, joins Nikol Pashinyan in viral musical moment

Trump-backed Ramaswamy wins Ohio primary, eyes governor clash with Amy Acton

India's bold Nicobar development counters China's String of Pearls